UNION CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
TAVARES, FLORIDA

By  Mike Miller January 10, 2026

Union Congregational Church is a Carpenter Gothic structure that is one of Tavares’ most historic buildings.  It is a reminder of the town's link to its Old Florida beginnings.

Located near the historic heart of Tavares at the intersection of Alfred Street and St. Clair Abrams Avenue,  the church is closely tied to the city’s pioneers and remains a meaningful landmark.

The congregation of Union Congregational Church was formally organized in 1885 when Tavares was still a young community growing along the shore of Lake Dora. 

Rather than splinter into separate denominations, the early residents chose a practical and neighborly solution: forming a union church where Christians of various Protestant backgrounds could worship together.

The church’s physical presence was made possible through the generosity of Alexander H. St. Clair Abrams, the founder of Tavares.

Abrams donated the land on which the church was built, underscoring the important role faith and community institutions played in his vision for the new town.

The church building that rose on that donated ground became one of the earliest permanent structures in Tavares and quickly assumed a central place in local life.

In addition to Sunday services, the church served as a gathering place during pivotal moments in the town’s history. The church hosted weddings, funerals, holiday observances, and meetings that helped knit the community together.

Union Congregational Church is located in downtown Tavares, just a short walk from Lake Dora and the city’s waterfront parks. 

The building itself is modest and unpretentious, reflecting its origins as a frontier-era house of worship built through hands-on cooperation.

Visitors may view the exterior at any time, and those wishing to attend a service or see the interior should plan to visit on a Sunday or check ahead for scheduled hours and events.

WEBSITE FOR UNION CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

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